This document provides background information on 1 Timothy, including who it was addressed to (Timothy), Timothy's biography and role as Paul's companion, the themes of sound doctrine, public prayer, and ministerial qualifications covered in the letter, and brief summaries of the contents of each chapter which focus on Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding his duties as a church leader. The purpose of the letter was to instruct Timothy in his responsibilities and warn him against false teachers.

2. I TIMOTHYTo whom addressed?I and II Timothy were addressed to Timothy, Paul’s son in the gospel.Timothy, a native of Lystra, was the natural son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, Eunice. His grandmother was named Lois. Timothy joined Paul on his second missionary journey around 51 A.D. Tradition states that Timothy suffered martyrdom under Nerva or Domitian.

3. ACTS 16:1-3Act 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Act 16:2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Act 16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

4. Acts 14:8-10 indicates that Timothy was one of Paul’s personal converts, won while Paul was at Lystra on his first missionary journey During Paul’s second missionary journey, he invited the young but active and faithful Timothy to accompany him. Paul ordained Timothy to the ministry, and he became one of Paul’s most constant companions. As a concession to the Jews, Paul circumcised the young minister (Acts 16:3).

5. In contrast to forceful Paul, several passages of Scripture indicate that Timothy may have been timid, retiring, in uncertain health, and perhaps even nervous due to his youth (4:12, 5:23; I Corinthians 16:10-11). Yet Timothy had Paul’s confidence, as is evident from Paul’s delegating difficult and delicate tasks to Timothy during the course of their prolonged association (1:3; I Thessalonians 3:1-2; I Corinthians 4:17).

6. Paul showed his love for Timothy through the two letters addressed to him. The young minister was one of Paul’s most intimate friends. When Paul’s end drew near, it was Timothy whom he yearned to have with him and for whom he specially sent (II Timothy 4:9,13).After Paul left for Macedonia, he addressed this epistle to Timothy, who was stationed at Ephesus (1:3). The actual date of the writing is uncertain. It was apparently after Paul’s release from his first imprisonment in Rome in the spring of A.D. 63.

7. THEMEThe theme of Paul’s first letter to Timothy is the qualifications and duties of the Christian minister and his relationship to the church, the home, and the world.

8. PURPOSEThe letter was written to instruct Timothy in the duties of his office, to encourage him, and to warn him against false teachers.

9. DATEWhile the actual date that Paul penned this epistle is uncertain, he is thought to have written it from Macedonia during the interval between his two imprisonments, possibly about 65 A.D.

10. CONTENTS1. Sound Doctrine (Chapter 1)After a brief salutation, Paul immediately began to give Timothy counsel concerning dealing with legalistic teachers (verses 3-11) and then related some of his own experiences (verses 12-16).These were followed by Paul’s first charge to Timothy:

11. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightiest war a good warfare; holding faith and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck; of whom is Hymeneaus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme (verses 18-20).

12. 2. Public Prayer (Chapter 2)Paul stated that intercessory prayer should be made for all men as Christ is the only mediator between God and man (verses 1-6).He then used his office as an apostle to the Gentiles to give instruction concerning the duties of men and women (verse 7-13).

13. Public PrayerA person’s attitude in public prayer is important. Men are to pray, lifting up clean hands, free from sin, and having hearts free from secret grudges and unbelief (2:8).Women are to dress modestly, adorning themselves with good works instead of the gaudy fashions of the world (2:9-10). They are also to remember God’s order for the sexes and not to usurp a man’s authority (2:11-15).

14. 3. Ministerial Qualifications (Chapter 2)Chapter 3 opens with the qualifications of a bishop, followed by the requirements of a deacon. Many of the qualifications overlap. Basic ones include:

15. BlamelessThe husband of one wifeVigilantSoberOf good behaviorGiven to hospitalityApt to teachNot given to wineNo strikerNot greedy of filthy lucrePatientNot a brawlerNot covetousOne that rules well his own house

16. 4. The Mystery of the Incarnation of Christ: God Manifested inthe Flesh (3:16)Paul stated, .And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness:God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (3:16).

17. 5. Predictions of Future Apostasy (4:1-4)Paul knew that the church has a glorious and bright future. However, he also knew that there would be those who would fall away from the truth. It was of these that he warned Timothy in chapter 4.His description is very fitting of many today who at one time had a knowledge of and an experience with God.

18. 6. Counsels as to Teaching, Ministerial Conduct, Example, Etc.(4:6-16)In keeping with his theme, Paul counseled Timothy regarding the marks of a good minister, the preeminence of godliness, the importance of a godly example, and giving diligence to reading, teaching and the exercise of personal gifts.

19. 7. Ministerial Administration (Chapter 5)Paul continued Timothy’s lessons in ministerial duties and ethics in chapter 5. He touched on:Courtesy to old and youngAttitude of the church toward widows Duties of the church elders Duty of impartial and deliberate action Advice relating to personal matters

20. 8. Concluding Exhortations (Chapter 6)Paul concluded his letter to his son in the gospel with admonitions concerning:Duties of servants (verses 1, 2)

21. Duties of separation from contentious teachers (verses 3-5)

22. The blessing of contentment (verses 6-8)

23. The peril of riches (verses 9-12)